Vitamin C

“Vitamin C is essential for many bodily processes and is key in supporting immune function as well as being a powerful antioxidant,” advises Telfer. “It’s an essential part of muscle recovery and if consumed regularly, can reduce DOMS after a workout.”

Alongside a good quality supplement, it’s good to up your intake of Vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables including blueberries, oranges, and peppers.

Vitamin D

“The body uses Vitamin D to create and maintain strong bones, teeth, and muscles,” explains Telfer. “Athletes who take Vitamin D are less likely to sustain injuries such as bone fractures and lose muscle mass,” he says.

In the UK, most individuals cannot get sufficient levels of Vitamin D from sunlight so the current government advice is to take a supplement all year round.

Cordyceps

A parasitic fungus and the inspiration behind the brain infection that devastates the world of The Last Of Us, we’re reasonably confident that in its supplement form, cordyceps won’t turn you into a zombie. “Cordyceps have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to deal with various health ailments including nausea and low libido,” says Telfer. “However, recent research suggests that they can also help to improve athletic performance by providing a natural energy boost, but without the jitters or crash that can come with stimulants such as caffeine.”

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